Montreal, Québec
– February 14, 2006 – Maximum Throughput Inc.
(www.max-t.com), developers of ultra high performance software-based
solutions for networked storage infrastructure and media management,
announced today that Guava Studios has purchased a Sledgehammer™
HD!O system as the core shared storage component for their NYC facility’s
new 3D animation department.
Guava’s post-production workflow involves
first creating the required synthetic or animated elements within their
3D department. Subsequently the final, rendered versions of these elements
must be shared with their compositing department to assemble the final
piece. The compositing department consists of four Discreet® Flame®
systems. A smooth hand-off of material from one set of artists to another
is key to getting jobs out the door on time.
Ari Klingman, Senior Engineer, commented “we knew we needed a
shared storage solution to bridge the two departments, but there was
a bigger requirement than just sharing the data. When our 3D artists
have rendered what they believe are final versions, they need to see
them in a video context, because the end piece will invariably be shown
on television. We were wasting a huge amount of billable time in our
Flame suites just to review, and often reject, work from the 3D department
due to motion or color problems. So we needed a shared storage system
that could also address our video requirements. We decided to evaluate
Sledgehammer based on these needs.”
Klingman continued, “Sledgehammer is at the core a very fast network
attached storage (NAS) device, so it was clear that it would likely
be able to handle our file sharing requirements. But what really got
us excited about the system was its ability to turn folders of rendered
files into real-time video that we can play back with the push of a
button. This unique functionality eliminates the need for a second render,
conversion or load of a playback file. Now, we can preview the rendered
work immediately and in a full broadcast color and motion context. This
saves us hours upon hours of back-and-forth adjustments. Sledgehammer
has greatly streamlined our pipeline, and now saves us significant time
and money on a daily basis.”
“We are extremely pleased to have provided a solution to Guava
Studios that helps them deliver projects on time and on budget,”
said Giovanni Tagliamonti, Chief Executive Officer at Maximum Throughput.
“Sledgehammer was designed and built based on the requirements
of the post-production and broadcaster communities, and it’s great
to see our technology addressing everyday workflow needs.”
About Maximum Throughput
Maximum Throughput Inc. (www.max-t.com) is a networked storage and media
management tool developer. Max-T's storage solutions deliver SAN level
performance over TCP/IP. The company's unique solutions provide many
times the storage bandwidth of other NAS and SAN products, using smart
software that runs on industry standard hardware. The media management
tools are integrated within the storage, delivering enriched functionality
in one versatile solution. Having pioneered the development of a Network
Attached Media Bridge to serve heterogeneous operating environments
over both data and video networks, Maximum Throughput offers products
with unparalleled performance, capacity management, and capacity availability,
as well as having the lowest total cost-of-ownership in their class.
About Guava Studios
New York-based visual effects company Guava was established for creative
artists and producers to make striking images using the most effective
means. Innovation influences everything at Guava - from the art and
craft of the moving image to the insight and skill in creating the best
production team for the job. Located in New York's Flatiron District,
Guava fosters experimental thinking, exploration and open collaboration
between artists and clients. And Guava's involvement at the earliest
stages of a project ensures solutions are stunning and practical. Guava's
visual effects artists include Aron Baxter, Alex Catchpoole, Mark Wilhelm,
and Amber Wilson. Guava’s 3D Artists include Steve Takowski, Dave
Bernkopf, Spyro Serbos and Adrian Graham.
For more information please contact:
John Miller
Vice President of Worldwide Sales & Marketing
Maximum Throughput
Phone: (978) 946-9408
Email: jmiller@max-t.com
Maximum Throughput Inc.
1751 Richardson
Suite 5.204
Montréal, Québec
CANADA H3K 1G6
Phone: (514) 925 3350
Fax: (514) 925 3378
Web: www.max-t.com
© 2006 Maximum Throughput
Inc. All rights reserved. Maximum Throughput, Max-T, Sledgehammer and
Xstoner are trademarks of Maximum Throughput Inc. in the US, Canada
and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks
belong to their respective holders.
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